Following months of refusals, members of Congress were granted entry on Monday to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement center located in downtown Los Angeles, where individuals in custody have claimed insufficient food, water, and sleeping arrangements.
Officials claimed the facility had been "cleaned up" prior to their arrival, as they found it almost empty.
"During this visit, there were two people present at the moment. So when I said they invited us in when no one was there, right? So they were aware of what they were doing," said Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles.
California lawmakers have frequently attempted to carry out inspections at the ICE facility referred to as B-18.
They cite a federal law that grants them the authority to visit any immigration detention center without needing prior scheduling.
In June, however, the Department of Homeland Security secretlyrevised the guidelines for members of Congresswho wish to visit ICE facilities, promptingoutrage from some members.
The updated guidelines require members to provide 72 hours' notice by sending an email to inform them of their visit, which the agency states is outside the detention center's responsibility.
Congressional representatives were finally permitted to enter the ICE facility on Monday as part of a planned visit.
Rep. Judy Chu, a Democrat from Monterey Park, stated that within the building, there are "nine cells, and these are simply cold, concrete floors."
Members of Congress and reporters have received accounts of harsh, congested situations within the facility.
Individuals who are detained in that location state they have limited access to food and water, along with other issues.
In certain instances, individuals have been held for over seven days.
"I inquired with the ICE agents regarding this, and they mentioned, well, there are no beds since they stay for a maximum of 72 hours. They also stated that they provide three meals daily," said Rep. Chu.
Some have mentioned needing to sleep upright because of the high population, but officials claim that what they observed on Monday was significantly different from those accounts.
"There's a significant difference. I'd say almost, one is describing it as black and the other as white. It's that much of a variation in how things are being portrayed," added Rep. Chu regarding the conditions inside the ICE facility.
They also mentioned they could not communicate with any of the people who were arrested.
Your congressman isn't able to speak on your behalf or obtain details about you until you complete the form. Also, your spouse or immediate family member can't fill it out for you," stated Rep. Brad Shermand. "Therefore, your congressional representative can't communicate with you unless we present you with the form, and we might or might not choose to do so.
Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat from Los Angeles, stated, "Besides visiting a location such as this, where we are aware they will clean it prior to our arrival, we must continue moving forward because we need to spread the message."
Eyewitness News contacted the DHS in June to learn the number of individuals detained at the facility and the average duration of their stay, but has yet to receive a reply.